The short answer
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it.
What is it?
Disk images (.dmg) are how most Mac apps are distributed outside the App Store. Once you have dragged the app to Applications, the .dmg in Downloads is no longer needed. This rule lists disk images older than 30 days.
Installers you downloaded more than 30 days ago. Usually already installed; check before deleting.
What happens if you delete it?
Not recreated, but you can download the installer again from the developer’s website if needed.
How to remove it properly
Check that the app is installed (double-click the .dmg to see what it contains, then eject it), then move old .dmg files to the Trash. Sorting Downloads by Date Added or Size in Finder helps find them.
Quit the app that uses it, then move it to the Trash. Empty the Trash when you’re sure.
- MoreRoom only suggests items unused for 30 days or more.
Before you delete it
Keep a .dmg if it holds something hard to get again, such as an older app version you depend on, or an encrypted disk image with your own files.
How MoreRoom helps
MoreRoom recognises this item and labels it “Review first”: it shows what’s inside, its size and last use, so you can decide. Nothing is removed without your say, and everything goes to the Trash first, with Undo.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to delete old .dmg files in Downloads?
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it. Not recreated, but you can download the installer again from the developer’s website if needed.
Will Old disk images in Downloads (.dmg) come back after I delete it?
No. Not recreated, but you can download the installer again from the developer’s website if needed.
How do I remove Old disk images in Downloads (.dmg) properly?
Check that the app is installed (double-click the .dmg to see what it contains, then eject it), then move old .dmg files to the Trash. Sorting Downloads by Date Added or Size in Finder helps find them.